Dolphin watching tours in Kalpitiya

Travelon Ltd, a name synonymous with out-bound & domestic tours in Sri Lanka, has recently ventured into Dolphin watching tours, off Kalpitiya, adding a new spectrum to their travel & tours portfolio.

Dolphins are frequently sighted during mid – November to April season in the West Coast of Kalpitiya off Alankuda Beach. One has to venture in to the deep sea, around 8-10 km from the beach with the majestic Norochcholai Power Plant looming in the distant horizon.

The best ingredient for Dolphin watching is patience and more patience, with a knowledgeable boatman and a fast speed boat. According to Bandula de Silva, Director Operations of Travelon Ltd who took the inaugural group of 14 pax last week they didn’t have any sightings for the first 2 hrs.

"We were at our wits end and almost gave up & head back to the shore, when the boatman said sir, don’t give up hope – we may hit the jackpot at a last resort & we ventured out 2 more km into the sea.

"Suddenly, our 3 boats were surrounded by a big school of fish with more than 50 Dolphins showing off and skimming the water as if inviting us to follow them," added Bandula.

The long wait was over and our patience had paid rich dividends.

"There are 2 luxury properties for the overnight stay for a Dolphin Safari. One is the more expensive & luxurious Alankuda Beach Resort and Ruwala Resort in Thalawila, where we opted to stay," added Bandula de Silva.

Ruwala Resort is operated by a private company owned by an enterprising couple Maithree and Anudini Liyanage, of Pandu Liyanage fame.

Travelon hopes to conduct similar tours in January / February 2011.